Why does the bible support slavery?

Question

Leviticus 25:44
Exodus 21:20
Titus 2:9

Answer 1

Because the alternative was death.

Answer 2

Slavery has always been a means of employment. 75% of the white people in the USA at the signing of the Declaration of Independence were either slaves or indentured servants. At that time most all Europeans were slaves or servants. During Old Testament times, if you were poor, you would die of starvation if no one would take you as a slave. Slavery was a means of salvation for many. Slavery can be a good thing-but if you think of slavery as the type of thing you see in the movies or TV, then you have been brainwashed. Slavery can also be a bad thing. There are some cruel people all over this planet.

Answer 3

Because the mores way back in those days allowed that. Vide Abraham and his slave Sarah, who was incidentally black. One is talking of practices about 6,000 years old. Joseph was sold to the Pharaoh by his own brothers. What is more disheartening is that in the middle ages the Catholic Church debated if the blacks and the South American Indians had a soul because, if they did not have one then their slavery could be justified ! Though the Bible is held as sacred by many, this does not alter the fact that some of its characters were crassly ignorant by to-days' standards, even though they were God-fearing people !

Answer 4

Firstly, let me say that slavery was not all like Hollywood makes it out to be. There were HAPPY slaves. Yes, happiness could be found through slavery. Secondly, it was supported because it is cheap way to keep costs of products low. It also seems like the bible favors one group of people over another. Could it be that races have rank? I am not entirely sure.......

Answer 5

There was 12,000,000 people in the Roman Empire and 1/2 of them were slaves and 3/4 of those folks were white.The Bible talks into the time it was written.Paul always said,if you are a slave give props to your owner but if you can get free better still.See poverty was such that people would sell themselves into slavery to eat.Usually it was for a prescribed set time like 7 years.Then (in Israel) they'd have to let you go,but if the slave wanted to stay ,he could.He'd have a special earring put in and that would make him permanant.

Answer 6

Because the Bible records it that isn't the same as God recommending it. You have to remember that not only is the Bible God's word it is also a history book. Often time people sold themselves as well as their families into slavery because it was a means of supporting themselves.

Answer 7

Because it is a very old book that was writen many years ago under other cultural influences, and then parts of it rewriten by people in power to stay in power because religion is an easy tool to use against people to manipulate them and other fanatics around them.

Hence such travasties as slavery and the witch trials.

Answer 8

Oh LAWD!! NOT AGAIN! Ok, Old Testament...written a long time ago...laws no longer in affect after the death of Christ...slavery was at one time supported every where. Will you be happy with any answer or is this just another "poor pitiful me" question?

Answer 9

I read..."And if a man smite his SERVANT, or his MAID, with a rod, and he die under his hand, he shall be surely punished"
Exodus 21:20

It sounds to me like the Word is saying do not hurt, or murder your servant, like a butler, to me slavery was a horrible thing in which African captives were beaten, malnourished and had to suffer a great deal of emotional and physical pain, and actually not just the African captives...in any Race or culture it is horrible and my God does not support it. To me a slave is treated horribly and it is disgusting

Answer 10

Because it was written by men not God, at a time when slavery was the norm. It also supports many other things which we find morally repugnant now...funny how Christians skate round those bits.

Answer 11

The Bible does not support slavery. Any man that wants to serve God and fear him is acceptable to him, it does not matter what race you are. We all descended from Adam and Eve, and DNA proves that. We are all equal in God's eyes. I know in Bible times people were in slaved, but as Christians we are taught to love our neighbor as our self. Would you in slave yourself?